Diego Simeone has revealed Diego Costa was substituted due to a knock against Girona, having been impressed with his three-pronged Atletico Madrid attack in Saturday's 1-1 draw.

Atletico led 1-0 when Costa and then Antoine Griezmann were brought off, drawing the ire of the home crowd when the French forward's opener was cancelled out by Portu moments after the latter of the two switches.

And although Simeone was disappointed that his side paid the price for their lack of firepower in the closing stages, he insisted he had little choice but to withdraw Costa.

"[Costa] had a knock and he wanted to come off after he continued for a few minutes," he explained, with Atletico confirming the forward will be assessed on Sunday.

Discussing the form of Griezmann, who was the subject of reported interest from Barcelona earlier in the day, the coach added: "[Griezmann] had a good match.

"He linked well with [Angel] Correa and Costa. Gradually, I think we are improving.

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Meet IfeanyiCy

IfeanyiCy Njoku, a youth mobilizer/advocate, media consultant and political strategist who has used his office to reach out for the poor and the less privileged in our society, Currently working as executive director Center for Youth Development and Peace Initiative.